TCL CSOT showed a microLED video wall, along with several microLED and LCD displays aimed at the automotive market.
DisplayWeek 2024 is buzzing with cutting-edge display technologies, and TCL CSOT (China Star) is making a strong impression with its lineup of microLED and automotive display concepts. Here’s a closer look at what they showcased.
The Showstopper: 163-Inch MicroLED Display
Front and center is a massive 163-inch microLED display, previously seen at CES and IFA. This display uses microLEDs mounted on PCB backplanes—a design closer to traditional digital signage or video wall architecture. The LEDs are smaller than typical video wall LEDs, making this an intermediate step toward next-gen microLED solutions. The result? A stunning, high-quality image that hints at the future of large-format displays.
Automotive Displays: From HUDs to Floating Images
Inside the booth, TCL CSOT shifts gears to automotive applications, blending practicality with innovation:
AR HUD: LCD Today, MicroLED Tomorrow
Currently, the AR HUD uses a 5.1-inch LCD panel with a resolution of 1440 × 480 and a field of view of 15.5 × 3.5 degrees. While the current version is standard, TCL CSOT is developing a microLED variant featuring 30–50 micron LEDs on LTPS glass. Expect the same size and resolution, but with the benefits of microLED technology.
Rear Seat Entertainment: Virtual Comfort
This clever design places a display below the headrest, paired with a half mirror and reflector to create a virtual magnified image at an apparent distance of 6 meters. The result is a comfortable viewing experience, reminiscent of collimated displays used in simulation systems.
Pillar-to-Pillar LCD Display
Stretching across the dashboard, this pillar-to-pillar LCD uses a mini-LED backlight for enhanced brightness and contrast. It’s a sleek solution for next-gen automotive interiors.
B-Pillar MicroLED Display
A fresh concept—a small microLED display integrated into the B-pillar between front and rear seats. It’s designed for ambient information or decorative purposes, and it’s the first time we’ve seen this idea in action.
Floating Image: A Glimpse of the Future
Perhaps the most intriguing demo is the floating image display. Using a sheet of micro lenses aligned with a 500 × 500-micron microLED panel, TCL CSOT creates a flat image that appears to float in space. While not a true light-field display, the effect is impressive. Add touch capability, and this could become a virtual avatar for cars or kiosks.
Why It Matters
TCL CSOT’s showcase highlights the versatility of microLED technology—from massive signage to futuristic automotive concepts. While some products are still in development, the direction is clear: microLED is poised to redefine both consumer and automotive display experiences.